What Happens if You Hit-and-Run in Denver, CO? 2024

It can be hard to figure out what to do after a car accident, especially if it is a hit-and-run. Unfortunately, these kinds of accidents happen fairly often in Denver, leaving people unsure of what they should do next. It’s important to know what happens if you hit-and-run in Denver, CO.

What Are Hit-And-Run Accidents?

A hit-and-run accident occurs when a person driving a vehicle hits another car, pedestrian, bicyclist, or property and proceeds to leave the scene of the accident without providing their contact information or providing assistance to injured individuals. These incidents are taken very seriously in Denver. In Colorado, people who hit-and-run can face harsh legal consequences, such as large fines, license suspension, or even jail time, depending on the severity of the accident.

Colorado Laws on Hit-And-Run Accidents

Colorado has strict rules regarding hit-and-run accidents that are meant to protect the victims and hold offenders responsible. A driver involved in a car accident that causes injury, death, or damage to property must remain at the scene, report the accident to the authorities, and exchange contact and insurance information with the other party.

Drivers who leave the scene of an accident they’re responsible for could face major criminal charges, with penalties that become more severe depending on how intense the accident was.

Legal Penalties for Hit-And-Runs

In Denver, the penalties for hit-and-run are harsh and vary based on the circumstances. For instance, if a hit-and-run causes a small amount of property damage, the person responsible could be charged with a misdemeanor and given fines or community service. On the other hand, if the accident causes serious harm or death, the person responsible could be charged with a felony, go to jail, pay large fines, or lose their driver’s license for a long period of time.

Rights and Legal Options for Victims

People hurt in hit-and-run accidents in Denver, CO, have certain rights that protect their rights to compensation for their injuries and other losses. They can seek compensation for their medical bills, missed wages, property damage, and other costs related to the accident. Hit-and-run victims may also get money from their insurance plans, especially if they have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage if the driver who caused the accident is not found.

In addition to filing an insurance claim, victims can file a civil case against the offender to be reimbursed. Even if the driver is charged with a crime, the victims can still go to civil court to get relief.

What To Do After a Hit-and-Run

One of the most important things to do after a hit-and-run accident is to ensure your safety and the safety of others who were involved. Follow these steps for your protection and to ensure your rights:

• Check for injuries. Make sure you and any other people in the car are not badly injured. If there are serious injuries, you should call for emergency medical assistance right away.
• Move to safety. If you can, move your car to a safe location to avoid further danger. If you cannot move your car, get yourself and anyone else out of harm’s way.
• Contact law enforcement. For legal and insurance reasons, you need to report the incident to the police and wait for them to arrive at the accident scene. File a formal police report with evidence from the accident and statements from witnesses. The police report is an official record of what happened and is very important for law and insurance claims.
• Collect evidence. Take pictures of the scene, your car, any injuries, and the area around it if you can. This evidence is very important for submitting insurance claims and taking legal action. You should also try to get the contact information of any witnesses.Gather as much proof from the scene as you can to make your case stronger. Also, document any details you can remember about the car that hit you, such as the make, model, color, or license plate. The police can use this information to find the person responsible.

FAQs

Can You Go to Jail for a Hit-and-Run in Colorado?

In Colorado, you can go to jail for hit-and-run. The circumstances of the hit-and-run may determine how harsh the punishment will be. If someone hits and runs, it is usually classified as a misdemeanor, which can result in jail time. If the accident causes serious harm or death, it may be considered a felony, which means the person responsible can potentially receive more jail time.

What Is the Hit-and-Run Law in Denver?

In Denver, Colorado drivers who are involved in an accident must stop, exchange information with the other driver, offer assistance where they can, and stay at the scene. It is illegal to leave the scene of a car accident, especially if you are the at-fault driver. Offenders may face misdemeanor or felony charges, which could include fines, jail time, and license suspension as penalties.

How Much Is a Hit-and-Run Ticket in Colorado?

In Colorado, the amount of a hit-and-run ticket is based on the amount of damage that was done. Fines can vary for incidents that only damage property, but when someone is injured or killed, the punishments can be much harsher. They can include very large fines, jail time, and paying the victim for damages suffered as a result of the accident.

How Many Points Is a Hit-and-Run in Colorado?

If you hit someone and leave the scene of the accident in Colorado, you will get 12 points on your license. If someone gets hurt or dies, the points can result in your license being suspended or taken away. If a Colorado driver gets 12 points in 12 months or 18 points in 24 months, they could have their license revoked.

Contact Cheney Galluzzi & Howard

If you were involved in a hit-and-run in Denver, CO, you should speak with a lawyer about what you should do next. There may be options for you moving forward. Contact Cheney Galluzzi & Howard today for more information.